FAQ
Q. Can you locate water lines?
A. Water lines installed after 1965 were likely made of black poly or PVC. These lines are not locatable because they will not carry a radio signal. Unless there is a tracer wire with the line they are not locatable. They can be located by inserting a wire into the pipe and then hooking on to the exposed end of it. Water lines made of iron or copper are locatable but do not give off as good a signal as an insulated wire and are very susceptible to signal denigration.
Q. What if something goes wrong, who pays?
A. Through out the industry private locating companies do not accept liability for damages incurred during the excavation or construction activities on the site as the locator is operating under circumstances where there are no plans or industry standardized or maintained mapping of the utilities. At Ace Locates we use the latest equipment and over 20 years of experience to to do the very best job.
Q. How do I know if something is customer owned?
A. Good question and sometimes it takes a lawyer to give the answer! In the case of Puget Sound Energy the company owns up to the last connection point owned or maintained by the company prior to the meter on any commercial property. Water companies own up to the meter; anything beyond the meter is customer owned. Propane lines, electric and communication lines beyond the meters, water lines beyond the meter are customer owned.
Q. How accurate are the locates?
A. Each site has a “personality” of it’s own due to soil conditions and other utilities at the site. High oxide content, or saline levels, and moisture content can affect the signal viability. Other utilities on the site can also affect the signal viability.
Q. How does the law define accurate?
A. RCW 19.122 “Reasonable accuracy” means location within twenty-four inches of the outside dimensions of both sides of an underground facility.
Q. Is it possible to locate septic lines?
A. Normally the sewer line runs from the service building to the septic tank, from there to the drain field set up. The line to the tank is locatable if there is a tracer wire or if the sewer line can be accessed and a tracer wire slipped into it, the drain field is only locatable if it is accessible.
Q. Can a break in an electrical or communications line be found?
A. A break in a line or a “fault” can be located with special equipment. There are limitations the major one being that there must be an earth fault present. If the electric line is in a conduit then it cannot be located. Also if the line is shorted out to itself with no break in the outer insulative sheath then it cannot be located. A competent electrician should be able to answer these questions. In general if the circuit breaker is not “popping” there is NOT an earth fault.
Q. How are the Utilities Marked?
A. Paint is used to mark the utilities, however if required we can use stakes or other methods as appropriate to your situation. Pets or live stock should never ingest any type of paint and decorative concrete or other landscape effects can be marred by careless paint placement.
Q. I can’t find my well, I know it’s out there somewhere, can you help?
A. Yes, often the power to the well head is accessible and we can hook onto that line and locate it out to the well head.
Q. Do I need to set up an account for payment?
A. No, we can email your invoice to you or you can pay by check or credit card. We ask payment to be made within thirty days unless other arrangements have been agreed too. As always we appreciate prompt payment!
Q. What is the standard depth for buried utilities?
A. Depth of utility lines are not guaranteed, therefore, excavators are required to hand dig within two feet of either side of the buried utility, or if digging deeper than ten feet, hand dig within 30 inches of the outside dimension of the line.
Q. If I get a private locate do I need to call in to the One Call System at 811?
A. Yes, the RCW requires that all excavation activity be called in; it’s free and it adds another level of safety to you!
Q. It seems I can’t get the regular locators to come out, what can I do?
A. Make a second call to the 811 number and let them know the situation and your frustration. Be sure to have you locate request number handy so they can look it up.
Q. Will the utility companies mark underground facilities on private property?
A. Yes. Utility operators will mark the underground facilities that they own and operate up to the point of delivery to the consumer. For example a gas meter or electric meter is considered the point of delivery. Any piping or cable that is beyond the point of delivery is the responsibility of that property owner.
Q. My situation is unique who can answer my questions?
A. Please call us with any questions and we will direct you to the activity that can give you the answer.